Comic Relief stops sending celebrities to African countries

Move follows criticism that its promotional films reinforced white saviour' stereotypes

Comic Relief will stop sending celebrities such as Ed Sheeran or Stacy Dooley to make promotional films in African countries, after deciding the approach reinforces outdated stereotypes about white saviours".

The anti-poverty charity, best known for its Red Nose Day fundraising events, has also said it will no longer portray the continent using images of starving people or critically ill children. Instead it will highlight its work in African nations by promoting stories of ordinary life in the continent captured by local filmmakers and photographers.